The Lion's Roar 37-5

R AR

VOL. 37 ISSue 5

the LION'S

Echo Chamber

In a predominantly liberal community, students encounter limits to freedom of speech on social media PAGE 12 Photo Illustration

by Chunyu He

Rediscovering Newton City Council votes 20-2 to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples' Day admist national historical reckoning

4

By Ellyssa Jeong and Anya Lefkowitz

inside this issue Can't Stop the Beat 16

Ballotball

Band, chorus and orchestra resume in-person, outdoor rehearsals with additional safety protocols

NBA and WNBA athletes use their platforms to lead voter registration efforts for the Nov. 3 elections

·

Newton South HIGH School Newton, MA

21

· Est. 1984 · November 13, 2020

PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 13, 2020

NEWS ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

City Council to vote on reforms to zoning laws Sophie Strausberg, Preethika Vemula & Lily Zarr News Contributor, News Editor, News Contributor

The Newton Zoning and Planning (ZAP) Committee is reforming the current zoning code to respond to housing demands, foster environmental stewardship and encourage new development within current neighborhood layouts.

Newton City Councilor Alicia Bowman, a member of the ZAP committee, said that zoning is a set of regulations that determines a building’s location and use. “[Zoning] lays out how big buildings can be, what they can be used for, whether it's housing, commercial or something in between and where that can happen within the city,” she said.

The ZAP committee's efforts are a continuation of the process started by the Zoning Reform Group in 2011 to enhance the zoning ordinance's feasibility and align it with the Newton’s Comprehensive Plan.

The current zoning policy designates all residential lots as single-family homes and requires developers to obtain a special permit to build multi-family homes. The committee is proposing a new law, which would allow single-family homes to be converted into buildings with up to six residentials units and would permit developers to create two-

family housing by right, without the need for a special permit.

Kathleen Hobson, a member of the leadership team for Engine 6, an association of Newton residents advocating for affordable housing, said that the path to constructing multi-family homes should be simplified.

“We like the idea of making more multi-family housing as opposed to buying a special permit, which adds delay and cost and unpredictability to the process,” she said.

Bowman said that zoning has historically promoted an anti-immigrant and racist agenda and restricted homes accessible to lower-class communities.

Newton North senior Coral Lin, a youth activist involved in Engine 6, said that Newton housing options are restrictive.

“There's only this option of a huge house, an apartment that's more affordable or luxury apartments,” she said. “With zoning redesign, we can fill in the missing middle of housing, which would include townhouses, granny flats or splitting Victorians into multifamily homes.”

Newton City Councilor Emily Norton said that zoning is not the answer to the affordable housing crisis. “[Zoning] is a capitalism problem. It is expensive to build in Newton,” she said.

“If we want more affordable housing, the city and state are going to have to step in with incentives to make it more affordable.”

History teacher Brian Murray, however, said that zoning reforms will help create a more socioeconomically diverse student body.

History teacher Talia Gallagher said that she hopes the zoning reform will end the stereotype that all students of color are METCO students.

“I've heard from my students of color that often they [are] targeted as METCO kids,” she said. “It would be great if this rezoning law could be a part of the acceptance that Newton is a diverse place and bring more diversity to the city.”

Another goal of the zoning reform is to create an environmentally sustainable city.

Bowman said the City Council is striving to situate population density near village centers and public transit. These areas are known as 15-minute neighborhoods, where residents can take care of their daily needs within a 15-minute walk from their homes.

“One of the most important things … is building housing closer to where people work and where there are amenities like grocery stores that will reduce the amount of driving,” she said.

Overall, Lin said that students should care about zoning laws, as they will have a long term impact.

“Zoning is really important to younger generations," she said. "It affects what a city will look like in 50 years."

1922

First zoning laws enacted in Newton.

2011

Zoning Reform Group created due to difficulty with understanding and administering zoning ordinance.

2007 Efforts to update zoning code begin, Comprehensive plan to create mixed-use centers with residential and town buildings devised.

2012 Zoning Reform Group calls for creating more affordable housing in Newton.

Present Drafting process of revised articles begins. Article 3 is reviewed by the Zoning and Planning Committee.

2021

City Council to vote on all revised articles in December.

Columbus Day renamed Indigenous Peoples' Day Alex Merkowitz & Sarah Wei News Editor, News Reporter

The Newton City Council has voted to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The long-contested issue was reintroduced to the council with a formal requested change last year.

On Oct. 9, the Programs and Services Committee held a public hearing, which included an opportunity for public comment to debate the proposed change.

On Nov. 2, the council voted to officially change the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. City Councilor Emily Norton said it is vital to listen to the voices of indigenous people who campaigned to change the holiday.

“This is something that indigenous people themselves have been requesting for several decades,” she said. “A part of addressing historical inequities and injustices is listening to the people who have been

Boston's North End statue of Columbus decapitated on Jun. 10

photo courtesy of CBS Boston

harmed.”

Proponents of the change to Indigenous Peoples’ Day argue that Columbus should not be celebrated due to the violence and abuse he inflicted on the native population he encountered on his voyages, junior Jessie Traxler said.

“Christopher Columbus was a horrible person, not just compared to modern standards but in his own time,” she said. “He was a rapist and murderer, and he shouldn’t be honored with ‘discovering America,’” English teacher Kelly Henderson said that celebrating Columbus Day indicates acceptance of his violence.

“We are all living on stolen land, and by honoring Columbus with a holiday, we continue to signal support for the brutality of that land's seizure while simultaneously indicating disregard for indigenous communities,” she said.

Many opponents of the renaming are Italian Americans, who consider Columbus Day a celebration of their culture and heritage.

City Councilor Maria Scibelli Greenberg said that Columbus Day’s significance extends past Columbus himself.

“The day represents more than just the celebration of the man, but of Italian pride and their contributions to America,” she said.

Robert M. Ferrito, president of the Commission for Social Justice, a branch of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, said that the holiday embodies Ital-

ian American achievement and Columbus’s daring spirit.

“To Italian Americans, statues and monuments erected in memory of Christopher Columbus represent not only the accomplishments and contributions of Italian Americans but also the indelible spirit of risk, sacrifice and self-reliance of a great Italian icon,” he said.

“Even if others visited the continent sporadically before, it was Columbus who marked the end of thousands of years of isolation between the Western Hemisphere and the rest of the world.”

Norton said that the decision to change the holiday should not be offensive to Italian Americans.

“It is not about disrespecting Italian Americans, but [about] removing someone from a place of honor who was responsible for so much suffering and finding a different way to recognize the contributions of Italian Americans,” she said.

Henderson said that the renaming of Indigenous Peoples’ Day signifies the acknowledgement and appreciation of indigenous people in Newton.

“The language we use as a society conveys important messages about what and whom we value,” she said. “By calling the holiday Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are acknowledging the horrific legacy of colonialism in this country, and we are telling our indigenous communities: we see you, and we celebrate you."

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

NEWS PAGE 3

MA rejects ranked choice voting Peter Vashevko, Tamar Yeret & Eva Zacharakis News Contributors, News Editor

T

he majority of Massachusetts voters cast their ballots against implementing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), Question 2 on the ballot during the Nov. 3 elections.

RCV allows voters in state and federal congressional elections to rank one or more candidates, ensuring that the winner of the election has majority support. If no candidate gets over 50% of the votes, the candidate with the smallest percentage is eliminated. Voters who ranked the eliminated candidate as their first choice then have their second choices redistributed. This process continues until one candidate has over 50%.

Voter Choice Massachusetts, an orga-

instead leading to more informed, researchbacked decisions.

Spanish teacher Ricardo Gessa said that RCV could reduce negative competition between candidates.

“The tendency to have these vicious races and interactions [with] your opponents will be decreased,” he said. “It might move races toward the issues and not so much toward these toxic things the elections have become.”

Pilley said that RCV will give thirdparty candidates a better chance of winning the election.

“Now, if you have a third-party candidate running, interest in them as a candidate will actually have more weight,” she said.

Kupovich said that RCV would decrease the spoiler effect, by which candidates with similar ideologies are forced to split the

It might move races toward the issues and not so much toward these toxic things the elections have become.

Ricardo Gessa Spanish Teacher nization dedicated to promoting RCV, proposed the ballot initiative in Massachusetts in 2019 with the hopes of implementing the new system in 2022. After collecting the requisite 10 voter signatures, they submitted it to the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey, who announced it as a certified petition on Sept. 4, 2019, meaning that the initiative met Massachusetts’s constitutional requirements.

Voter Choice filed the petition with Secretary of State William Francis Galvin’s office and collected the 80,239 signatures required to get the question sent to the state legislature for approval. On May 6, the legislature voted against RCV. For the initiative to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot, Voter Choice then had to collect 13,374 more signatures.

Anita Pilley, a history teacher at Oak Hill Middle School, said that RCV forces voters to learn more about each candidate.

“It puts a burden on voters to know all of the candidates really well, and that is our civic responsibility,” she said.

Junior Andrew Kupovich said that RCV will prevent voters from simply voting for the candidates in their chosen party,

vote, ultimately decreasing their chances of winning the election.

Senior Julia Roth said that RCV could encourage candidates to expand their voter basis and try to appeal to more people.

Pilley, however, said she fears the possibility of voters choosing candidates without knowing their policies.

“I wonder if someone will just put their first candidate and then just randomly list the others if they don't know. And then that person can end up getting elected,” she said.

Many who voted against RCV cited its potential to reduce voter turnout as their reason. Bowen and Oak Hill parent Lital Asher-Dotan said that voters who are unable to educate themselves about each candidate may choose to abstain from voting.

History teacher Marcia Okun said that opponents of RCV underestimate voters by arguing that RCV is too complicated.

Roth said she believes that if RCV had been used in the September Democratic primary for the Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District, now-Congressman elect Jake Auchincloss would not have won. Indeed, every candidate in that race has announced their support for RCV. “A lot of people really felt strongly against Jake, and a lot of people were just voting for not Jake as opposed to voting for one person,” she said. “If ranked choice voting had been a thing, Jake might've been the last choice on a lot of ballots.”

RCV is currently used for local elections in the Massachusetts towns of Cambridge, Amherst and Easthampton.

RCV was voted down by a margin of about 10% with 54.8% of voters responding no and 45.2% responding yes, despite the pre-election polls showing RCV with a slight lead, according to the Associated Press. In Newton, however, 62.3% of voters favored Question 2.

Evan Falchuk, the board chair of the Yes on 2 campaign, said that the rejection of RCV was because the campaign was racing to educate people about the process of RCV instead of debating a “No on 2” campaign.

Galvin, however, said that RCV’s failure to pass was due to COVID-19 and voters’ preoccupations with early and mailin ballots.

Falchuk said that COVID-19 disrupted their plans for “ground level” campaigning and house parties resembling those of Maine — the first and only state in the country to adopt RCV. He said that prior to the pandemic, events were held in which people filled out mock RCV ballots, only deciding on their favorite desserts instead of candidates.

The Yes on 2 Campaign held fundraisers and raised nearly $10 million, compared to $3,975.70 donated by No on 2 supporters.

Asher-Dotan said that adapting to new systems of voting is a normal part of elections.

“It would affect the campaigns. [Candidates] would need to help people compare between them and appeal [to voters],” she said. “Every time you‘re choosing your election system, people will need to readjust to how the game is now being played.”

South Spots City Seal Redesign Mayor Ruthanne Fuller established an Ad Hoc City Seal Working group on Aug. 7 to redesign Newton’s city seal and flag, which currently depicts Waban, the first Native American to convert to Christianity in Massachusetts, and missionary John Elliot. Led by Lisa Dady, director of Historic Newton, the group will receive input from Newton residents on the seal’s design, analyze the seal’s relevance in the 21st century and decide whether to change the seal’s design. The City Council will vote on the proposed changes next year.

photo courtesy of Newton Needham Regional Chamber

The Show Must Go On Sense and Sensibility, South Stage’s fall play, premiered on Oct. 30. The play, based on the Jane Austen novel, was directed by fine and performing arts teacher Paige Perkinson. Instead of a live performance, scenes were filmed individually in the South courtyard and edited into a video production which was livestreamed over YouTube.

photo courtesy of South Stage

Field Light Fiasco

graphic by Kaila Hanna

Fifteen years and countless Roar articles later, permanent field lights were installed at Winkler Stadium, just in time for a fall sports season without football or spectators. True to form, the field lights weren’t ready to be turned on at the time of their installement, as an electrical error prevented them from working. For hopefully the final year ever, games were played “under portable lighting towers," rather than “under the lights.”

PAGE 4 NEWS

THE LION'S ROAR

RetuRning to LeaRning?

The Lion's Roar reviewed statements made by Superintendent David Fleishman and other administrators at School Committee meetings and examined the extent to which their promises for high school learning have been upheld

By Ella Hou, Alex Merkowitz, Lyanna Tran and Eva Zacharakis

Students film the fall play in South's courtyard

T

he school is running some masked and socially distanced in-person activities: sports practices and games and rehearsals for theatre, chorus and band.

School Committee chair Ruth Goldman said that the School Committee is assessing the risk of expanding in-person opportunities to include classes and established a High School Planning Working Group.

The working group began meeting the week of Oct. 12 and will issue initial proposals for expanded in-person opportunities to the School Committee on Nov. 16. The finalized proposal will be presented to the School Committee on Dec. 2.

Senior Elianna Kruskal, who stage managed the fall play, said that cast and crew members adhere to strict safety protocols at rehearsal.

“The solution we've found is that we are following the strictest guidelines that make the most conservative — in terms of safety — people comfortable, and that's the precaution that everyone needs to follow,” Kruskal said.

Soccer player freshman Haley Kim said that while she has been lucky to have

ficult to navigate for students. To streamline educational services, the high school and middle school levels are using exclusively Zoom for students this fall.

“We can target our direct teaching of executive function skills through a single platform that helps students be more successful,” she said.

The very nature of Zoom classes, however, is not always conducive to supporting student needs. Senior Adam Rotem, who has ADHD, said that he has trouble focusing on his classes and wishes he could learn in the school building.

“There’s no support right now,” he said.

“You can’t make personal relationships with teachers because we’re all on the computer.”

in-person practice, academic clubs should have the same opportunities.

“They can be done safely over Zoom, and that’s an option for them, but I feel like they should be provided with equal opportunity as athletics,” she said.

French teacher Deborah Hahn is one of many teachers who are hoping to organize in-person gatherings for their students.

“Many of us really miss and crave that real connection that you get when you are face-to-face with someone,” she said.

Biology teacher Jordan Kraus implemented a system where students take part in in-person labs as small groups. English teacher Eliza Tyack introduced a senior outdoor cooperative, which runs social and community-based activities.

Sophomore Caroline Cole said it’s important to show empathy for the School Committee and working group members who will make difficult decisions in the weeks ahead.

“We have to go easy on people who have a lot of opinions coming at them,” she said. “At the same time, I hope that things change and grow and get better.”

"Let me kick off by reiterating our commitment as a district to implementing IEPs fully."

— Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Fitzmaurice

Aug. 25

S

outh is providing in-person learning to about 100 students who are unable to engage in remote classes. These students include those who have disabilities, are homeless, are in foster or congregate care or identify as English Language Learners.

Special education teacher Margaret Maher said that students in the building appear more focused and attentive this year.

“People can spread out, and the classrooms are calmer,” she said. “It's a more relaxed feel in school.”

Many students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are learning remotely. North special education department chair Lisa Langone said that in the spring, the disorganized nature of IEP support was dif-

photo contributed by Hannah Stober

photo courtesy of Eliza Tyack

English teacher Eliza Tyack led seniors on a hike of Mount Monadnock on Nov. 8

aug. 25

"We will have many opportunities for in-person community building, connection and extracurriculars."

— Superintendent David Fleishman

NEWS PAGE 5

P

lans to distribute chromebooks to ninth-grade students were disrupted by a shift in delivery dates. Before the start of the school year, students were given a survey to indicate whether or not they urgently need a device. Freshmen who urgently needed devices have received them, thanks to the recollection of chromebooks from upperclassmen volunteers. The majority of freshmen, however, will have to wait until January 2021.

Distribution of chromebooks with touch screens has been delayed due to high demand as the district assesses the situation.

Devices with touch-screen capabilities are crucial for high-school math classes, Superintendent of Secondary Education Toby Romer said.

While Goldman said the January date

is firm, some students, like freshman Lana Mello, said they wouldn’t be surprised if it was pushed back further.

Mello said she is disappointed by the delay because computers will be less useful if a hybrid model is implemented.

‘We don’t need chromebooks in January next year, we need chromebooks when school is [online],” she said.

Regardless of timing, Romer said that the plan to give each student a Chromebook has not changed.

“We were rolling out our one-to-one chromebook initiative before COVID-19 distance learning or the pandemic,” he said.

“Having technology and being able to access it when needed is a key part of the high school learning experience. We don’t envision that changing.”

photo by Sophie Lewis

"I was hoping our [district’s] 2,800 chromebooks would have arrived by now, just to make things a little bit easier and not have to scrounge from every nook and cranny."

— Director of Information Technology Steven Rattendi Sophomore Theo Lewis attends class on a school-issued chromebook. He said his classes often lag because of the limited bandwidth of his device.

photo courtesty of Newton Public Schools

Sept. 14

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

Sept. 21

While chromebook shipments for elementary and middle schoolers have arrived, distribution of touch screen computers has been delayed

"Given that ventilation is such a critical part of our capacity, we are going to deploy a multi-pronged strategy to inspect, modify and improve ventilation systems in all school buildings. The strategy will utilize third-party contractors to inspect, repair and test systems so that measured results meet or exceed design capacity."

— Assistant Superintendent Liam Hurley

photo courtesy of NewTV

D

Hurley presents to the School Committee about an updated HVAC testing protocol

uring the public comment session of the Sept. 2 School Committee meeting, elementary school teacher Ariana Foster called for an independent Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) assessment of all school buildings.

“I was shocked to see that the School Committee used my 5th grade classroom at Lincoln-Elliot as a visual representation of the health and safety of NPS [Newton Public Schools] buildings,” she said, citing a two-year long process where Lincoln-Elliot faculty and families advocated for an investigation of mysterious black dust being emitted from classroom vents. (NPS administrators refused to test the school’s ventilation system, but an outside assessment revealed the dust contained particles of rubber, paint, fiberglass and pipe insulation.)

At that very same School Committee meeting, Hurley gave a facility update presentation that assured the Newton community that “all ventilation systems in all buildings are working properly.”

However, Newton families were later informed that a Sept. 18 spot-check of ventilation systems at four of NPS’s oldest

school buildings — Ward, Franklin, the Newton Early Childhood Program center and Foster’s Lincoln-Elliot — revealed that some unit ventilators were operating below their air flow capacity. As a result, Hurley announced a plan to inspect, modify and improve ventilation systems in all school buildings. The district employed a thirdparty contractor, Crowley Engineering, that began work on Sept. 28.

As of Nov. 11, the district’s ventilation service, maintenance and adjustment phase is substantially complete; the engineering analysis and walk-through phase is 78% complete; and the air flow testing and balancing phase is 26% complete. NPS hoped to complete the work by mid-November.

Director of Facilities David Stickney said that HVAC testing results are public on the NPS website to ensure transparency.

“There's been a lot of discussion about a lack of trust in what I do, and it's never a good thing to hear,” he said. “But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that we're providing a safe and healthy environment. … We’re not going to put anyone in a space that isn’t safe.”

PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 13, 2020

EDITORIALS ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

Our role representing diverse views, mitigating hate On Wednesday, Nov. 10, our staff made the decision to omit a quotation we deemed offensive from centerfold. We perceived that the quotation minimized the Black experience and presumed knowledge on struggles faced by the Black community in Newton in a way impossible for the white interviewee to possess. In choosing to exclude this quotation, we weighed the benefits of sharing a perspective unique from others represented in the article with its potential harm.

We broadened this discussion to consider our paper’s treatment of the controversial views of students in our community.

Learning from different perspectives and giving students an outlet to voice their opinions is invaluable; however, this cannot come at the cost of validating hateful comments, forcing already-marginalized communities to hear arguments callous to their struggles or intellectualizing basic human rights.

A newspaper’s role is to expose its audience to myriad opinions, using its platform to offer diverse and well-substantiated perspectives to provide readers with ample content to develop their own views.

While one opts into being interviewed and reading articles in a newspaper, this same freedom is not guaranteed in personto-person interactions, where members of marginalized communities are often forced to educate the majority when confronted

with incorrect statements or assumptions.

As interacting with a newspaper’s content is voluntary, publications serve a unique role: we can share a range of viewpoints with minimized risk of inflicting harm.

As the newspaper representing South’s student body, The Roar is responsible for covering the topics and perspectives relevant to our community, rather than to the general population. In a politically liberal environment like our own, we must make

a human element in this process. As a staff, we must assess our subconscious biases that influence these decisions.

But what does “offering diverse and well-substantiated perspectives” mean in a community whose views appear uniform?

First, it’s necessary to acknowledge that within our like-minded community, dissenting opinions exist. Unlike large-scale news organizations, such as CNN and Fox, The Roar has no counterpart that supplements

A newspaper’s role is to expose its audience to myriad opinions, using its platform to offer diverse and well-substantiated perspectives a conscious effort to seek out unpopular opinions, particularly when individuals may feel unwelcome sharing them.

We’re in a position to shape our community’s views, as our readers do not know which opinions we include and which we leave out. To exclude an opinion, therefore, would be to misinform our readership — to rip out pages of a book. Each issue, we select interviewees, quotations and arguments to achieve comprehensive coverage, but there is

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our coverage. Thus, it is our responsibility to cover all opinions, not just those of the majority or those we agree with. Providing each opinion with equal space would misrepresent our community’s values. If the majority of our interviewees provide similar opinions, that viewpoint should receive the most — but not exclusive — airtime. Moreover, we have the opportunity to explore not only different opinions, but the many nuanced experiences that inform them. Interviewing one student

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with a given opinion on a binary issue doesn’t satisfy the need for more interviewees who reach the same conclusion but approach the topic with a different lived experience.

This plan runs into a roadblock when one of the opinions we strive to represent is hateful. There is a difference between reflecting the community’s opinions and giving bigots a platform to spread hate. Though harmful quotations should and will not be shared, it is important that we acknowledge that the opinion exists. The Roar is not a celebrity endorsing a brand — our inclusion of a quotation or opinion piece isn’t the staff ’s agreement with it, nor our attempt to convince our readership that it is true.

This is not the first, nor will it be the last time we are faced with the decision of whether or not to include a quotation or perspective in our paper. Though classifying an opinion as hateful is subjective, we can reach the best decision determining a perspective’s inclusion through dialogue. We understand that this is not an easy choice to make — it’s a decision of the whole staff, not a select few. Similarly, we know that our role as the school newspaper is not to reflect the opinions of our staff members, but the views of our community. These values will continue to guide us in determining how and in what capacity we include different opinions in our paper.

Editors-in-Chief Julian Fefer Carrie Ryter

Managing Editors Chunyu He

Sophie Lewis

Jackson Slater

Section Editors

Editorial Policy

The Lion’s Roar, founded in 1984, is the student newspaper of Newton South High School, acting as a public forum for student views and attitudes.

The Lion’s Roar’s right to freedom of expression is protected by the Massachusetts Student Free Expression Law (Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 71, Section 82). All content decisions are made by student editors, and the content of The Lion’s Roar in no way reflects the official policy of Newton South, its faculty, or its administration.

Editorials are the official opinion of The Lion’s Roar, while opinions and letters are the personal viewpoints of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Lion’s Roar. The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submitted content, to reject advertising copy for resubmission of new copy that is deemed acceptable by student editors, and to make decisions regarding the submission of letters to the editors, which are welcomed.

The Lion’s Roar is printed by Seacoast Newspapers and published every four weeks by Newton South students. All funding comes from advertisers and subscriptions.

In-school distribution of The Lion’s Roar is free, but each copy of the paper shall cost one dollar for each copy more than ten (10) that is taken by any individual or by many individuals on behalf of a single individual.

Violation of this policy shall constitute theft.

News

Alex Merkowitz Preethika Vemula Eva Zacharakis

Features

Siya Patel Eva Shimkus

Centerfold Ellyssa Jeong Anya Lefkowitz

Freelance

Henry Blanchette Julian Phillips

Graphics Managers Kaila Hanna Emily Zhang

Faculty Advisor Ashley Chapman

Opinions

Ahona Dam Ari Gordon Avigail Rosen

Sports

Austin Chen Emily Schwartz

Photo Manager Hedi Skali

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

EDITORIALS PAGE 7

FROM THE

EDITOR’S DESK Chunyu He

Managing Editor Staring blankly at the dim flicker of the vertical line, I wonder whether the Courier View font really takes up more space than Calibri or if it’s just an urban legend created by uninspired writers like myself. Back in middle school, I dreaded writing assignments of any sort; words could never capture what I truly wanted to convey. My frustration mounted as I started the never-ending staring contest with that blinking vertical line. With each flicker, I sensed its mockery.

My writing struggles continued, but moving on to high school brought a wave of excitement as I anticipated a more sophisticated education and a new belonging to a larger and more diverse community. During a club fair, I stumbled upon the Lion’s Roar table. I eagerly picked up the latest issue and started flipping through the pages. It wasn’t the colorful front page with a fancy gradient that caught my attention; rather, it was the lack of diversity in articles.

After reviewing past issues of the paper, I only occasionally saw articles written by minority students, most of which exclusively highlighted cultural and social events that Asian American students planned. Few presented any experiences or accomplishments from students of color.

I felt alone: people around me all seem to have their own social circle, and the seat

Finding my voice; forging representation on Roar

next to the door became my lonely resort.

My original plan was to encourage my Asian American friends that had a better grasp of writing to join Roar. However, not many were interested and even fewer felt comfortable sharing their stories. I was running out of options, and I questioned if I could become an effective journalist just long enough for someone more capable to take over. I had to go with Plan B — I would embody a voice for minority students and hopefully, inspire courage in others (including stronger writers) to do the same.

Although writing about school spirit

white, the student body often perceives the same story. Without the influence of other cultures and social backgrounds, South cannot become a more inclusive community. For many other students, they were able to form connections and obtain reflection towards the materials. But that was never the case for me. Outside of academics, school publications become another source of information.

When students like me are tired of reading materials that are irrelevant to them, my hope is to provide them a space where they are able to find the voices of their own.

Having immigrated to Newton in

Thousands of words and graphics don’t just tell stories.

They are our perspectives. Our emotions. Our voices. and class office elections wasn’t my original intention, as a new reporter, I didn’t have many options. After becoming a section editor, I realized that the lack of representation was not the result of censorship, but rather it was due to a lack of outreach. While there was zero objection to writing opinionated, even controversial pieces, the absence of outreach to students who are afraid or underrepresented had resulted in a white-centric newspaper.

For a school that’s predominantly

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seventh grade, I noticed that the school community lacked exposure to authentic Chinese culture: most people had formed assumptions about traditions and cuisines based on martial arts movies and internet memes. During my junior year, I found an opportunity to talk about my own experience as a Chinese student living in Newton through an opinion piece published in our newspaper; I decided to take the initiative and reach out to the editors to ensure that my piece would be published in my own

unadulterated voice. With extra help and determination, I treaded carefully to ensure that my writing didn’t come across as confrontational: I didn’t want to force my own thoughts onto others, I wanted to detail Chinese culture to allow readers to form their own opinions.

Good journalism makes people think.

That’s how we push through important issues and topics. After five rounds of edits and discussions, I published my first piece highlighting the differences between eastern and western ideologies, and how the contrast creates a white-washed Chinese culture in America.

Writing the article was hard. For me, debating current events and covering events is much easier: in writing about myself, I had to step out of my comfort zone.

The validation and recognition I received not only fueled my own drive to continue sharing my truth, but more importantly, brought more students of color into the newsroom.

Each time I pick up the 120-gram paper, it feels abnormally heavy: thousands of words and graphics don’t just tell stories.

They are our perspectives. Our emotions. Our voices. Nothing can stop us from telling our stories even during a pandemic. The Roar established its website, continuing looking for and encouraging students to engage in the community. We hope to see more students finding their own voices in the paper.

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PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 13

OPINIONS OPINIONS@THELIONSROAR.COM VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

HAS SOUTH MET THEIR SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING GOALS?

A

s I logged onto Zoom on Sept. 16 for the first time since June, I thought back to April, when we were thrown into distance learning due to the spread of COVID-19 — if you could even call it learning. While my peers cheered about the cancellation of MCAS and finals, I was worried about how South would handle online learning if the pandemic continued through to the fall. I doubted teachers’ ability to support students mentally, emotionally and academically through exclusively virtual means.

To my pleasant surprise, the new distance-learning format is actually supporting students mentally, emotionally and academically, particularly regarding socialemotional well-being, and even competes with a regular school experience.

This year, I’ve been receiving more help and support, both academically and emotionally, from teachers and deans than I ever did in person. In online classes, teachers can easily assist students who need more help by using breakout rooms. The breakout

YES

NO

BY ALI JAFRI

BY BRIANA BUTERA

ence amidst the pandemic.

All of these benefits can be attributed to the administration’s understanding approach to this year’s distance learning: they are taking active steps to prioritize students’ well-being over academic rigor, but at the same time, they are maintaining the academic rigor by teaching us the necessary material for the year. All the while, the school is ensuring adequate student learning.

Following South’s new approach, teachers are assigning minimal to no homework, and as any South student knows, excess homework can cause high-stress levels. Teachers show understanding of the unprecedented situation we are in and the range of realities students are experiencing.

The format of online classes further empowers students. While students may typically feel daunted by asking questions in class, Zoom classes are inherently less formal than in-person classes and offer alternative means of participation, such as private messaging your teacher. I find myself participating more often in discussions online than I did

In the past couple of months of school, I received more help and support from teachers and deans than I ever did in person. room feature helps teachers meet with students in small groups to gauge each student’s understanding, which allows them to provide individualized support.

In breakout rooms, teachers have a whiteboard at hand if students are stuck with a particular concept, which would not usually be the case in person. When I need help with an assignment in class while in a breakout room, I can press the “Ask for help” button, a great alternative to raising a hand for seemingly infinite stretches. Within a matter of seconds, the teacher will come to help me, unbeknownst to my classmates.

The administration’s approach to online school is notably less stressful than in-person learning, as it allows students to sleep and relax rather than spend long nights completing homework assignments.

This inherently more comfortable learning environment combined with the administration’s successful efforts to address social-emotional needs is creating an extremely positive school experi-

in-person, which makes me feel connected to my class community, a school goal this year.

The current school year has left me pleasantly surprised with the social-emotional support, as well as maintaining the academic rigor throughout the school year. I hope the administration maintains their high standard of support for students throughout the distance learning phase, and if we ever have an in-person phase, I also hope that support will continue to be prevalent throughout the year and beyond.

T

he last two months have left students doubtful about the school’s commitment to bettering students’ mental health. The pandemic, social injustices, political uprising and the school’s transition online have left students needing support.

Despite these extenuating circumstances, students are expected to engage in learning.

During online school, students’ motivation to learn has deteriorated without peer-to-peer connections. Though an online environment makes tackling these problems more challenging, the administration has taken insufficient action to support its students.

building to foster real connections between teachers and students by implementing team-building activities rather than the 20-questions-like activities we have now.

The administration, understanding the transition to online school would be difficult for students, implemented a no-homework policy for the first few weeks of the year.

However, they have not upheld their promises, and some teachers have still assigned homework with hard deadlines, even going as far to say that they won’t accept any late work. A strict deadline during this stressful time can be damaging to students’ mental

Teachers spent the first two weeks doing icebreakers; what I learned about my peers has felt superficial This year, many classes have become lectures void of student participation. School should be about learning and problemsolving while communicating with others. In classes where this has been the case, I have been able to connect with my fellow students on an academic as well as a personal level through conversations about the material.

Students also have limited opportunities to connect with teachers. I didn’t even know the names of my teachers until the third week of school, and judging by conversations with friends, I’m not the only one. Worse yet, if it weren’t for Zoom names, they wouldn’t know mine either. Though the school has emphasized community-building, and most teachers spent the first two weeks doing icebreakers, what I learned about my peers was limited to their favorite foods and animals; community-building has felt superficial.

Personal connections with teachers help students feel safe in the school community, but teachers and students do not yet know each other well enough to feel secure in those bonds.

The administration should redefine community-

health, putting unnecessary pressure on them in addition to the immense stressors of a pandemic. The administration should work to make sure teachers are following these guidelines or at least allowing students more time to turn in work.

The school has encouraged students to talk to their guidance counselors if they are feeling overwhelmed, but not all students are comfortable doing so. Knowing a guidance counselor has a connection to the school may make some students wary of speaking to them about topics unrelated to academics.

Though some may think that the emotions and reactions that teens may have are overreactions, they must also take into account that high school is a stressful time and asking for help is not always easy.

We have grades, assignments, teams and social groups to worry about, and “not caring about what others think isn’t always as easy as many adults believe it is. The school’s approach to counseling is flawed but repairable, and it’s the administration’s responsibility to understand students’ perspectives and modify their plans accordingly. If the school could find different ways of reaching students or directing them to other forms of help, the mental health of students at South could greatly improve.

It’s not too late to solve these issues.

The school should shift its focus from trying to teach students to supporting them and prioritizing their mental health. Students’ mental health should always come before work, no matter the cost.

graphic by Kaila Hanna

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

OPINIONS PAGE 9

photo illustration by Emily Zhang

LOW ON TIME The new climate countdown clock in NYC is a glaring reminder of the effects of climate change, but who should be taking cues from this not-so-subtle message?

By Dana Berdichevsky, Arshia Verma and Melinda Yung

T

ick Tock. 7:101:16:06:56. The years, days, hours, minutes and seconds ingrained on a countdown clock in New York City’s Union Square is author Andrew Boyd and cartoonist Gan Goland’s creation, a constant reminder of the growingly irreversible effects of climate change.

The countdown clock, critics say, unfairly and unwisely places responsibility for mitigating climate change on the individual rather than large-scale corporations, which raises the question of who should be held accountable for fighting climate change.

The recent wildfires in California resulted in an increase in carbon emissions, affected the air quality and destroyed the homes of local citizens and animals.

This tragedy may be the most visible threat of natural disasters, but California is not alone in experiencing the constant threat of global warming. Climate change is hitting

a home for corporation's waste. It’s corporations and industries, not individuals, that need to change their practices.

More and more clothing companies, such as Forever 21, Shein and Zara have turned to fast fashion — the technique of mass-producing products for a high profit — to stay on top of the latest trends. While it is profitable and convenient, fast fashion causes large corporations to produce, waste and circulate much more material than they would if they focused on higher-quality, simpler items.

The clothing and textile industry is emitting a substantial amount of greenhouse gases. According to the World Bank, the process of making and distributing just one pair of jeans emits 33.4 kilograms of carbon into the atmosphere. By depleting non-renewable resources and using immense amounts of energy, water and chemicals, fast-

The government, rather than holding these businesses culpable, is essentially overlooking this cause. close to home; in August, Newton declared a Level Two drought, meaning above-average temperatures and below-average rainfalls.

Corporations entirely ignore these environmental consequences. They are adopting the easiest, most rapid way to dispose of their trash. The oceans are becoming less of a habitat for a variety of marine life and more

fashion brands cause major environmental consequences.

The resulting pollution has driven many consumers to minimize purchases from companies that use such egregious techniques. Large businesses need to be held accountable for their role in exacerbating climate change and their potential for

mitigating it.

Large-scale protests, boycotts and social media activism simply haven’t made the necessary change. The government’s sole response to the costly environmental actions taken by corporations was to imple-

dividuals, like you and I, are not responsible for the detrimental effects of climate change on a scale comparable to corporations.

According to the Harvard Business Review, “companies seem to be more comfortable taking public stands on issues like

The countdown clock in New York City will continue ticking ... regardless of whether or not you recycle your Starbucks cup. ment small fines. This minimal government action, however, failed to disincentivize corporations from their environmentally harmful practices.

A 2017 study by the Carbon Majors Report said that just 100 energy companies have produced over 70% of total industrial emissions since 1988. Because they are creating a vast majority of global environmental problems, it is the responsibility of corporations to become more eco-friendly. We must band together to pressure the government to hold corporations accountable.

Holding corporations accountable will influence individuals to combat climate change on a proportionally smaller scale.

Where some businesses, like Nike, have trailblazed this approach, many businesses are taking zero action toward combating global warming — or worse, actively contributing to it. Companies such as Exxon Mobil, an oil and gas corporation, have failed to recognize the destructive effects of climate change. In-

race, immigration, gun violence and transgender rights before speaking strongly on the environment.” As climate change intensifies, corporations have to rise to the challenge. For our part, we must hold corporations accountable by supporting eco-friendly brands and setting the tone for others to do the same.

The countdown clock in New York City will continue ticking and climate change will continue progressing, regardless of whether or not you recycle your Starbucks cup. At this point, the general population has already acknowledged climate change, and there is only so much each individual can do to combat climate change.

What we’re lacking, however, is a firm commitment from corporations. After centuries of providing a gravitating home, it is our turn to give back to our world. The decreasing time on the clock should not be taken as a reminder for individuals to act upon climate change; it is an alarm alerting corporations of the imminent crisis.

PAGE 10 OPINIONS

THE LION'S ROAR

Loving the art, not loving the artist

BY AIDAN LIEBERMAN AND MARISA MACDONALD Reading the “Harry Potter” series in elementary school, we learned lessons of love, friendship and acceptance. Recently, however, we began to question our love for the series following author J.K. Rowling’s transphobic remarks.

In December 2019, Rowling tweeted her support for Maya Forstater, a tax employee who lost her job for saying trans women are not real women. In June, she responded to a New York Times opinion article titled “Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate,” saying, “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben?

Wimpund? Woomud?” Rowling then backed up her comments in a 1500-word essay, attempting to explain how her views weren't anti-trans but pro-women. Because of this, life-long fans of the series have denounced Rowling, and some have boycotted her books altogether.

Rowling’s controversial opinions beg the question: is it ethical to support artists with morally questionable views?

While there are convincing arguments on both sides, it’s ultimately up to you.

It’s common — and acceptable — for people to love a piece of art and dislike the artist who made it. Although you may want to enjoy only someone’s work, every time you stream a song, rent a movie or buy a book, you are inherently supporting the creator.

Deciding whether or not to support an artist depends on the value of the art to the

viewer and the extent to which the artist’s actions and words have been offensive to others. It’s subjective, and everyone draws the line of what is acceptable at different places.

It’s illogical to tell people to never support "questionable” artists because who gets to decide when an artist has gone too far? Conversely, good art shouldn’t always be celebrated, as doing so is turning a blind eye to the creator’s actions and morals. It would be unfair to those affected by the artist, implying that their suffering is lesser than the art at hand.

For example, we don't support the work of R. Kelly, a singer and rapper who is in jail for crimes like rape and child molestation.

To us, he crossed the line 10 times over, and no art he makes could ever make up for his horrific actions.

On the other hand, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were ‘canceled’ in 2014 for smoking weed before a concert. In our opinion, this is no big deal, but the internet thought it could serve as a negative influence to their young fanbase.

This brings us back to the “Harry Potter” series, which has inspired a love of reading and spread lessons of tolerance and inclusivity to millions of kids around the world. In our opinion, the joy the series brings is enough for us to make the choice to support the series, and with it, Rowling.

It’s important to know the people who create the art you care about. After learning about artists who have a role in your life,

you may want to let go of works you had previously cherished. Worst case scenario, your Spotify playlist becomes a few songs shorter or your Netflix watchlist becomes more carefully rated. By researching artists, you will gain a heightened understanding of the art you love.

graphic

by Emil y

Cheng

Breakout rooms: awkward not overused

BY ANNIKA ENGELBRECHT Once the blue "Join Room" button appears on the screen, it can mean only one thing; breakout rooms. Waiting to connect to the room, causes a couple of thoughts to flash through my mind. I'm hoping for a good group, one that will get things done, and also for minimal awkward silence. The screen stops connecting showing everyone

else, but after a few seconds pass, the awkward wait begins, proving that my second hope isn't going to come true. Finally, someone breaks the ice and we start talking.

This school year, teachers have been using breakout rooms to foster discussion.

Breakout rooms reflect the small-group dynamics of in-person school — there’s always

the vehement student, the remiss slacker and the kid that doesn't want to be there. Transferred online, they’re filled with awkward silence rather than mild nuisance. While breakout rooms might be prone to awkward moments, they are still worthwhile in that they make work much easier and clearer.

Like anything, breakout rooms have a time and a place, and (most) teachers have gradually learned when to use them. Teachers often use breakout rooms for smaller-scale discussions or problem-solving, asking students to read and analyze a passage or work on a problem set.

In-person conversations are more meaningful and effective in small groups, explaining teachers' motivation to create breakout rooms. For quieter students, small discussions offer a lessintimidating way to contribute to class conversations.

Beyond academic benefits, in a year void of human interaction, breakout rooms offer graphic by Kaila Hanna classmates the oppor-

tunity to bond. For example, though sharing about our weekends can feel mundane, persevering through the inevitable awkwardness lets us learn more about each other than we would have otherwise. Working and asking questions in front of a small group rather than a teacher and large class facilitates easier participation and discussion.

Breakout rooms allow students to explain a concept to their peers without a teacher’s assistance, fostering both peerto-peer connections and demonstrating advanced understanding, so teachers are wise to use this more personal approach.

Teachers often maintain the same breakout rooms for a few weeks at a time, which gives students the opportunity to get to know each other more deeply than is possible in a full group setting.

No matter how brief, breakout rooms provide students with time to socialize. Often, a 90-minute class is spent listening to a lecture or doing independent work; there are few opportunities for discussions. Breakout rooms, however, are conducive to conversations and a more natural environment.

As students grow accustomed to online learning, reminders of pre-COVID-19 life are necessary. We might not have the school bell or bursting pipes anymore, but at least breakout rooms can bring us a sense of normalcy, replicating small-group, in-person discussions. Teachers may use breakout rooms a lot, but their facilitation of questions, discussion and socialization mean they are not overused, but valuable.

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

UPGRADE

9

Made it out of the 2020 election alive!

Sweatpants all day, every day It's bulking season Mariah Carey's resurrection

9

DOWNGRADE Being overcharged by the College Board Super spreader parties 4:30 p.m. sunsets Being woken up to shovel snow

Movie Review: The Social Dilemma

OPINIONS PAGE 11

BY LIBBY CHALAMISH While it is no secret that social media manipulates users, the Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma,” exposes the extent to which companies go to keep their customers addicted.

Through somber music and sinister messages, the documentary forces viewers to rethink not only their personal decisions regarding social media, but also the way society functions as a whole. At its core, “The Social Dilemma” is a documentary with two main goals — to warn watchers of the dangers of social media and to encourage large social media corporations to change how they operate.

“The Social Dilemma” effectively educates people about the dangers of social media by explaining its role in dividing our society both politically and socially.

Generation Z is widely considered to be among the most polarized groups in history, and the documentary argues that, by only showing its users posts and articles that support their political opinion, social media has played a large role in creating such a pronounced political divide. The documentary exposes these issues with social media, and, while it does not offer a direct solution to this problem, it educates people about the potential destruction that one might take going down the path of

Newton Horror

social media.

Audiences, however, should recognize the hypocrisy of the film. Director Jeff Orlowski showed a lack of perspective by only condemning the media’s use of manipulation. In one instance, he explains how search tools hide information from their users by only showing them one side of the story: if one has left-leaning political views they will most likely only see accounts that share their perspective. The filmmakers end up contradicting themselves by using that same tool of manipulation to play with viewers’ minds and only showing the negative side of social media,

while refraining from acknowledging its benefits.

Notably, the documentary provides no solutions to the social media problem. After nearly an hour and a half of slamming social media and warning watchers of its terrible and dangerous implications, it offers no proper remedies. Their so-called “solutions” are extremely conventional and unoriginal — they urge social media users to turn off notifications, delete unnecessary apps, consult reputable sources and view content from people with different points of view. The entire documentary creates an aura of suspense and mystery that appears to be leading to some sort of grand, earth-shattering conclusion; instead, offering no real solutions, the documentary leaves watchers feeling confused and powerless.

The documentar y’s paradoxical and hypocritical nature ultimately degrades its message and makes viewers even more unsure of who to trust . When watching “The Social Dilemma,” it’s important not to fall prey to its manipulative techniques and remember that it appears to be geared more toward instilling fear than educating its audience about the harms of social media. Viewers should continue doing their own research, fact-check all sources and remember that the world isn’t black and white — there are two sides to every story. graphic courtesy of Nextflix

Their so-called 'solutions' are extremely conventional and unoriginal

Check out more Newton Comics on Instagram:

By Anonymous

Newton 216 Sumner St. Newton, MA 02459 (617)-795-2022 Brookline 1331 Beacon St. Brookline, MA 02446 (617)-487-8689 www.leesburger.com

Echo Chamber

In a predominantly liberal community, students encounter limits to freedom of speech on social media

By Ellyssa Jeong and Anya Lefkowitz Graphics by Emily Zhang

E

nglish teacher Kelly Henderson is no stranger to receiving backlash for sharing controversial views online. In September, a Facebook post in which she called for parents who protested against online classes to “f--- right off ” circulated South communities online. The situation escalated, and Henderson recieved death and rape threats. Contrasting greatly from the baseless threats, that were divorced from the actual substance of her post and came from random strangers, Henderson said she was grateful for an outpouring of support from Newton community members — especially students.

Students use social media platforms for news sources, meaning students are more informed than ever. In a Nov. 3 survey of 975 South students, over one-quarter of respondents indicated that they encountered political content on social media “all the time.”

As junior Gabriella Zaff scrolls through Instagram, for example, she learns about the Black Lives Matter movement, the status of abortion rights across the globe and the detrimental results of climate change.

“My personal Instagram feed is flooded with posts advocating for social justice and from the left side of the political scale,” she said.

Zaff ’s social media experience is fairly typical: in a predominantly liberal community like Newton, students encounter mostly liberal views online. But according to senior Yehonatan Mileguir, this “echochamber” effect comes with drawbacks.

“If you disagree, you receive a good amount of backlash — maybe not outright, but people will look at you differently,” he said.

Junior Frank Liu said that to many students, high school might already feel like a place where following trends is essential for acceptance, and the political status quo adds an additional layer of pressure.

“People feel a sort of pressure to fit in, or else they might be ostracized by their peers because of their views,” he said.

to be seeing.”

Makarovsky said that social media drives users to political extremes, starting with political posts on users’ feeds or stories.

“The social media algorithm basically makes you fall down political rabbit holes,” she said. “So, the next video that's recommended is going to be a little bit more radical, a little bit more based on what you're watching. It's also why there's such polarization.”

repost, reshare, retweet

Senior Adam Rotem said that at its core, media polarization is driven by misinformation and clickbait.

“Social media is going to be the downfall of American democracy,” he said. “There's a lot of fake accounts commenting all over the hundreds of different posts and sites and they're commenting all these provocative things which are meant to be provocative.

It's meant to say ‘choose this side’ or like ‘this side is better’ and stuff like that. There's too much aggression.”

Along with issues of misinformation and illintended posts on social media, politics generally don’t mix well with social media, as they fail to present a full picture, Makarovsky said.

Despite the divisive nature of social media activism, Henderson said that there are clear benefits to being able to connect with others’ content on platforms.

“I am especially grateful to have a huge group of well-educated, hyper-informed folks on my friends list and I am always learning from them. From seeing an article in a publication I had never heard of to hearing a perspective I’d never considered, I have definitely gotten some education on social media,” she said.

Junior Andrew Kupovich said that social media is responsible for meaningful political discourse.

“If it didn't exist, many people that aren't, to a degree, politically active, or I think the events that have transpired over the past few months wouldn't have happened,” he said. “There are many people that wouldn't be as politically active or wouldn't know as REQUEST TO FOLLOW much, and I definitely think that having a bombardment Online, controversial opinions are impossible of infographics has helped educate people.” to avoid, senior Maya Makarovsky said.

“If you say something out loud, then a couple DISLIKE of people hear it. But if it's videotaped, or if you're typing something, that's concrete evidence of what Social media activism is here to stay. And in Newyou did, what you said, and that's going to … spread ton, only liberal activism is well regarded, students said. everywhere,” she said.

Rotem said that sharing his right-leaning views Senior Sara Saloum said that students’ generally on social media has come at a cost. He commented liberal Instagram feeds breed a cycle where they only on a post that he believes holding a neutral view of see one-sided posts. the Black Lives Matter movement is not inherently “Think about the nature of explore pages or a racist — “People were getting pretty agitated with me ‘for you’ page: they are crafted to appeal to what you because of that,” he said. want to see,” she said. “When politics are intertwined Rotem said he engaged in dialogue with some with the sense of entertainment, your ‘for you’ page or explore page is going to have exactly what you want continued on next page

Students responde

@Student_next_2_u_

day. Even though I agr

can never "agree enou

@Right_Leaning_Libertarian It is super important for me to that I don't get called a racist, which I am not. It is safe to say to the fact the media is causin

views without being hated for

average = 3.84

average = 3.48

10 = far right

10 = far right nshslionsroar Where students think Newton's views should predominantly fall.

ed anonymously to an online Roar survey about free speech online @say_yes2convos_no2hate I think school is a place where "freedom of speech" can become a blurry line between what is your right and what is hate speech. While school should encourage discourse and open-

_in_chem

ree with a lot of people's

ugh." @ConcernedStudent21 -

be accepted is harmful because school also has the responsibility of making all students feel safe.

gle to see how the rest of the country views things.

o hide my views in order for me to make sure homophobe, transphobe, etc. all of those things y that South is absolutely an unsafe place due ng bigotry and hatred for the other sides on the

r them.

@CL4SSM4TE

South needs to understand that we are very well educated but that does not mean we are invulnerable to the dangers of social media.

The Lion's Roar continued from previous page

From an online survey of 975 students

who disagreed with him, but his relationship with the original poster soured.

Makarovsky said that she chooses not to challenge the liberal status quo online because she’s concerned about receiving backlash.

“I don't think defunding the police is a good idea,” she said. “I don't feel super comfortable saying ‘we shouldn't defund the police’ on my Instagram or something. I feel like I would be attacked.”

FAST FORWARD An increasingly polarized culture is of utmost concern to Makarovsky.

“If there's this social pressure that you have to conform to one opinion, that's when you start to have issues, and that's what's happening right now; this is the ‘with us or against us’ rhetoric, or cancel culture,” she said.

To begin work that encourages difficult conversations and integrates more narratives, Zaff said that the Newton community must be open-minded.

“We need to do a better job as a school to encourage all political beliefs because even though I definitely disagree with a lot of things, it’s never a bad thing to try to understand where people are coming from,” she said.

Zaff said that regardless of users’ intentions, social media fosters an environment that can make it daunting for users to share their opinions.

“No matter how open minded people may seem and encouraging of different views,” she said, “it might be difficult for someone with different views to come forward.”

I don't think defunding the police is a good idea.

I don't feel super comfortable saying ‘We shouldn't defund the police’ on my Instagram or something. I feel like I would be attacked.

Maya Makarovsky class of 2021

We need to do a better job as a school to encourage all political beliefs because even though I definitely disagree with a lot of things, it’s never a bad thing to try to understand where people are coming from.

Gabriella Zaff class of 2022

A majority of surveyed students indicated that these are the worst and best aspects of social media

PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 13, 2020

FEATURES ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

THE COMMON APPLICATION The Roar follows four seniors with different interests as they navigate the college application process and will reveal their identities and college plans as they make their decisions

By Eva Shimkus

graphics by Emily Zhang

N

atalie*, whose first deadline is Dec. 1, said that she has written her personal statement and filled out most of the Common Application, but is still working on her supplemental essays.

Natalie said that her personal statement focuses on her process in discovering her passions.

“It’s taken me a long time to figure out what I want to do,” she said. “It’s about how I figured out what’s more important in life: my interests or what my parents want me to do.”

As an aspiring theater production and design and technology major, her admissions decisions will also rely heavily upon the strength of her portfolio.

“I’m hoping my portfolio makes me stand out because there aren’t that many people who apply with artistic abilities in mind. I have two schools that don’t require portfolios for theater, but I’m just going to send it in as an additional document, just to give a little extra something,” she said. “I hope artistic skill is enough.”

Natalie said her portfolio consists of set designs, projections and lighting from technical theater, in addition to observational sketches and paintings to demonstrate her creativity.

Natalie is considering Northeastern University for its combined major program, which would allow her to merge her interests in theater and arts education.

“Art degrees are very time-consuming, so it’s hard to double major in them,” she said. “With a combined major, it’s really helpful to be able to put together all of your requirements.”

With the University of Michigan, Syracuse University, Northeastern University and the State University of New York at Purchase as some of her top choices, Natalie said she is hoping to attend a school that will provide her with opportunities for her future career.

“Syracuse has a semester where you live in New York City and have an internship there,” she said. “What I'm looking for is ways to get in the field professionally.”

A

nthony* applied early decision to Middlebury College, where he said he hopes to pursue a math or science major while running for the cross country team.

Over the summer, Anthony said he learned more about Middlebury from an old track teammate who now attends the college.

“Every sports team has its own community, and obviously it’s great to meet some friends right off the bat, but Middlebury in particular seems to try to incorporate everyone,” he said. “From the stories that I've heard, they tend to have more of a community than other sports teams at the school, which has appealed to me to be in a close-knit group.”

Anthony said that since Middlebury is a Division III school, his application decision relies on his academics rather than his athletics.

“You get in for academics then you can either walk onto the team, or if you’ve been talking to coaches in the past, you get in for academics, then you join the team later on,” he said. “It’s not that you get into the school because you’re on the team.”

He said that applying through this process has kept him better informed.

Anthony said that he has visited Middlebury twice, and both times he left with a favorable impression.

“I have two older siblings, so I’ve seen a couple of college campuses in the past,” he said. “We visited it during a snowstorm while the students were away for February break, and I ended up liking it a lot, and it set the bar really early on.”

Although Middlebury is his top choice, Anthony said that he is prepared to apply to his other top choices, including Colby College, Tufts University and Wesleyan University.

“If I get rejected, I would get back up and start applying to some other schools, and luckily I’ve been talking to some coaches at other schools as well,” he said. “I have a group of schools that really appeal to me, as well as their running programs.”

A

my* applied early action to UMass Amherst and restrictive early action to her top choice, Harvard University.

An aspiring law student with an interest in psychology, she said that she wanted to highlight her passion for advocacy in her applications.

“I’m talking about my growth as a leader because I started activism when I was pretty young, so I talk about how I’ve grown, how I’ve changed and how I’ve expanded my horizons since then,” she said.

Amy said that the legal studies option at UMass was one of her favorite aspects of the school.

However, Harvard offers the competitive environment she is looking for.

“My sister used to go there, and it’s always been somewhere I’ve really wanted to go because I’m someone who really enjoys competition,” she said. “I feel motivated when I’m surrounded with people who have the same passion for what they do as me, and I feel like Harvard can offer me that.”

With her early applications submitted, Amy said she thinks she has presented herself well to colleges.

“Looking back, there were a few essays that I could have written better, but overall I feel like I got all the criteria down, and I’ve managed to show who I am and what I’ve done to colleges,” she said. “I don’t feel completely confident, and I’m kind of nervous about the results that come out in December, but at the moment I’m glad I can destress and not think about college applications anymore.”

To younger students thinking about the college process, Amy said she would recommend staying true to yourself.

“Don’t stress about whether or not you’ve shown your accomplishments or how many extracurriculars you’ve done,” she said. “Focus on who you are as a person, your personal story and your strengths, and just be genuine as opposed to trying to seem impressive.”

K

urt* applied early action to Northeastern University and Emerson College.

In college, he said he plans to doublemajor in business marketing and film writing. Kurt said although his interests seem conflicting, they are intertwined.

“The part of business I want to go into, marketing, is all about how to tell a story. Screenwriting is just telling a story in a certain medium,” he said. “Every job is an extension of telling a story.”

Kurt said that working on his family business inspired him to seek a career in business.

“I had so much fun working in the business that I decided this was something I wanted to do for a longer time,” he said.

In his applications, Kurt said he wanted to emphasize his real-world experience and creativity.

“I have helped my parents with social media campaigns, editing images, research into international distributions and cost and market analysis for new product lines,” he said.

Kurt said that he was drawn to apply to Emerson and Northeastern because of their unique travel opportunities.

“Northeastern has another business program where you get to go to China. Because I’m part Chinese, I figured it would be really nice to spend some time where my family came from,” he said.

He said that Emerson also offers a similar program, where he would earn a liberal arts degree in Switzerland for two years and then return to Boston to finish a business major.

“It combines both areas of study I was really interested in,” he said. “Emerson also has a great graduate program, so I thought that would be a good fit for me.”

Kurt said he is preparing regular decision applications to Bennington College, Ithaca College and New York University. *Names changed to protect students' identities

PAGE 16 FEATURES

THE LION'S ROAR

SIX BEATS APART Ensembles rehearse in-person, bringing music and community back to South

By Talia Argov, June Kim, Eva Shimkus and Neena Tarafdar

F

or junior Cheri Lookner, in-person chorus rehearsals have returned a sense of normalcy to an otherwise tedious day.

“I love starting my day off in a way I've been used to for so long. I feel really comfortable,” she said. “It makes me forget about the pandemic for a while.”

Lookner has had the opportunity to attend in-person music classes at South. Every Thursday, chorus and orchestra director Benjamin Youngman instructs Lookner and the rest of the Madrigals chorus under a tent outside of the 6000s. Youngman, along with instrumental music director Lisa Linde and music teacher Edward Harlow, successfully advocated for in-person music classes that began in October.

Senior David Kim, who plays in both the wind and jazz ensembles, said that rehearsals have always been a social activity and an important part of school for him.

“There's so much you cannot do over Zoom that comes naturally when you’re inperson,” he said. “You need to be listening to other people. You need to be playing in time with them and matching how they’re playing.”

Linde, who spearheaded the initiative for her jazz and band classes, said that the idea for in-person music classes came in response to many parents’ and students’ desire for hybrid instruction.

“I thought everybody would want to be together and play,” she said. “It’s something we’ve done as musicians since we were in fourth grade, and that was totally taken away from us. In a remote world, we never get that back.”

Kim said in-person rehearsals are a helpful part of the curriculum for the band, allowing them to learn music without the latency of Zoom classes.

Linde said that once she and the rest of the music department wrote a proposal for in-person rehearsals, the process of getting it approved by school administrators only took four days.

“I kept pressing that this is a time issue, and by the end of October we start to lose our window,” she said. “I just had to be pushing, advocating for myself and my students.”

After receiving initial administrative approval, the path to in-person practice was far from over and included getting approval from the Newton Department of Health and Human Services, which had its own set of guidelines, Youngman said. “[In chorus], you need masks and the spread is pretty dramatic in terms of aerosols.

You also have to keep far more distance than the normal 6 feet so we almost had to triple the distance,” he said.

Senior Matthew Honig said that he appreciates the in-person playing opportunities.

“I’m part of an orchestra again and

actually making music as a group, which is a huge difference from what we were doing,” he said. “In orchestra, it’s about being more than someone’s part and working together.”

Linde said that a challenge with inperson rehearsals has been student transportation to school.

“As I look at the people who are having a hard time getting in, it's younger students who don’t have somebody at home who is either an older sibling or a parent that can drive them,” she said.

Lookner said she feels safe attending in-person rehearsals despite their limitations.

“I feel super comfortable with the protocols we have in place to be 12 to 15 feet apart,” she said. “Everyone wears a tight-fitting, double-layer mask, and [Mr Youngman]'s talked to us about the ways that we need to keep each other safe.”

Harlow said that he and the rest of the music department will continue to find ways to offer opportunities for in-person classes.

"It’s a hassle for sure, for probably everybody involved to some degree," he said. "While we deal with this difficult subject, we use that skill that is so important in music, which is creativity, [and] find safe ways to maximize our education for our students.”

There's so much you cannot do over Zoom that comes naturally when you’re in person.

David Kim class of 2021

Students rehearse at an Oct. 19 symphonic band rehearsal conducted by Lisa Linde and a Nov. 5 orchestra rehearsal conducted by Benjamin Youngman photos by Julian Fefer and Eva Shimkus

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

FEATURES PAGE 17

SHRC promotes anti-racist and equitable work Ariana Bhargava & Adriene Lirio

the police murder of George Floyd; now, the two serve as co-chairs. Chacon said the SHRC aims to meet and protect the rights Sophomore Wasan Rafat said being a of all members of the community through member of the South Human Rights Council proactive and responsive measures.

The council is divided into four com(SHRC) allows her to use her voice to advomittees: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion cate for change.

(DEI); Culturally Responsive Curriculum “Doing work and being aware of the (CRC); Communications; and Professional problems, not just those that happen at South, Development (PD).

The DEI committee and not just in Newton, but in the entire seeks to facilitate cultural celebrations and country,” she said, “I have a voice.” support the work of affinity groups.

The English teacher Joana Chacon and hisCRC committee aims to develop an antitory teacher Robert Parlin started the SHRC last April in response to the hypervisibility racist curriculum across all departments. of racism following the Zoom bombing of The communications committee maintains social media engagement. The an AP Chinese class and C u — l t n u o i r a s l u ly R PD committee promotes Incl es & and creates trainings uity q E around antiracism, y, t i equity and inclurs e sion. v Di A n y — member of the community — faculty, staff or student — is welcome to join a committee at any point throughout the year.

Parlin said that oppression and injustice run deep in communities with priviledge.

“Racial injustice and oppression of all non-majority groups are present in the United States, but they are really present graphic by Emily Zhang Features Contributors

ns po

Curriculum — P r ive o fe s

m SHRC Com

sio n a lD e v e lopment

mmunication : Co s s e it te

at Newton South as well,” he said. “We want to take action to change that.”

Chacon said that racism’s systemic nature warrants a systemic response.

“Human rights to me means that every community, all our marginalized communities, are thriving, living their best life and

destroy it.”

Drurey said the council welcomes all students who are interested in helping advocate for equality.

“I invite more students to come and see what it's like,” she said. “This is here for them, so if they want to find ways to help,

You really have to change the community in order to have these human rights initiatives go forward.

Suzy Drurey chemistry teacher engaging with each other to create one bigger community,” she said.

Chemistry teacher and DEI committee co-chair Suzy Drurey said that the SHRC’s success requires full community engagement.

“SHRC has had a positive impact on South because we're inclusive of not just the students, but the whole staff and faculty,” she said. “You really have to change the community in order to have these human rights initiatives go forward.”

The council allows students to delve deeper into their interests, discussing relevant issues with staff and faculty members.

Senior Matan Kruskal said he joined the curriculum committee to combat and raise awareness about language endangerment.

“Before we even get people to respect other people's culture, we need to first make sure that there's a culture left to respect,” he said. “Sometimes people are so intolerant of other people's culture that they start to

affect change and be active in human rights, then come on in.”

Chacon said she believes the council will be instrumental in advocating for human rights and equity.

“Take a look at this one year, two years, three years, four years down the line," she said. "Our hope is to make this an institution.”

Parlin said he hopes the council and its legacy will be long-living.

“This will be an umbrella organization to try to coordinate all the different efforts we're making as a school to fight racism, sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, etc.,” he said. “We hope that by raising awareness, really having this as the key focus for the year and changing the school culture to be more welcoming and inclusive, all students —not just the white students, not just students who are from wealthy backgrounds — but everyone, will feel [like] part of the community.”

1 in 2000: Paul Belenky '10 returns to teach art

By Sanjana Deshpande & Ella Moses

Features Reporter, Features Contributor For new art teacher Paul Belenky, art has always provided a platform to highlight absurdity.

“When I was growing up, I felt like I could never really express myself adequately,” he said. “If I drew them and called it art, then it became acceptable.”

This year, Belenky teaches mixed media and sculpture classes. His love for art has always gone along with his passion for science, he said.

“It's just a constant process of a scientific method of, ‘Is this going to work?

Let's try it. Okay, this didn't work, let's revise and try again,’” he said.

English teacher David Weintraub — also Belenky’s former teacher — said he believes that Belenky’s light-hearted demeanor has been responsible for his successful artistic career.

“He was vibrantly intelligent. He knew what he cared about, and I can't always say that for every student. He definitely brought a sense of humor to class, along with his very unique intelligence, passion and no-nonsense attitude,” Weintraub said.

“He always had a really mature sense of understanding and analyzing art — to know that he turned that mindset towards creating and producing is really amazing.”

C hemist r y te acher Mar ianne McChesney, who also taught Belenky, said that Belenky was profoundly creative as a high-schooler.

“His best skill was being able to think out of the box and look at things creatively,” McChesney said. “It was very helpful in class,

just to have that curious mind and openmindedness to explore ideas and different ways of expressing your thoughts and ideas.”

Belenky initially pursued biology at Brandeis University but later switched career paths after getting a Masters in Fine Art at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

“When I was at South, I was taking all kinds of high-level science and math classes because I thought that would be my career going forward,” he said. “When I got to college, I also continued down that path.

It was only when I started working in a lab, and I was like, ‘No way I can't do this for the rest of my life.’”

Belenky said that though he did not specifically seek out working at his alma mater, he is excited to be back.

Ceramics teacher Amy Nichols said Belenky has integrated smoothly into the fine arts department.

“We know how to collaborate and work with different materials and come up with really fun ideas for students to work on,” Nichols said. “His personality works with the group, and we feel like a family.”

B elenky is enjoying teaching virtually and is appreciative of his students’ commitment.

“I'm really grateful to my students that I can talk into a rectangle on the computer screen and somewhere else, miles away, a sculpture is happening, he said.

Ceramics teacher Molly BaringGould said that Belenky is an indispensable part of the department.

“It was very clear from a few minutes in that he would be a perfect fit in our department,” she said. “He's super creative, incredibly smart, a gifted sculptor and enthusiastic.”

photo illustration by Kaila Hanna

PAGE 18 FEATURES

THE LION'S ROAR

Biden-Harris projected to win in historic election The Trump administration was neglecting a large number of major issues. I think the Biden administration will address them in a more civilized and adequate way.

We’ve never had someone denying the results of an election. He’s gotten all of his supporters to believe that this election has been rigged. It’s just him displaying his immaturity.

Daniel Ben-Levi class of 2023

Michael Farquharson class of 2022

The president is nothing more than an elected government official. Even if I may be somehow disappointed by the outcome, it’s to uphold democracy. … We have to respect that and honor that decision.

It’s important to not view politicians as heroes who are going to transform American society. ... Biden and Harris [aren't] going to solve those problems all together, but I’m hoping that this is a step in the right direction.

Robert Parlin history teacher

Hanna Liauchonak class of 2023

70%

Percent (%) of vote shares by age and race

Percent (%) turnout of those eligble to vote in presidential elections since 1996 Ages 18-29

60

62%

Ages 30-44

35

52

58

41

12

41

45 65

Ages 45-64

50

49

Ages 65+

48

51

data from ElectProject

Biden

Trump

55 Other

32

Black HispanicLatino Asian

34

61

50 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020

White

41

Other

data from New York Times exit polls on Nov. 3

Students volunteer at polls for Nov. 3 election Sarah Feinberg, Julian Phillips, Jessa Verhoef & Jocelyn Wu Features Contributor, Freelance Editor, Features Contributors

Armed with a mask and face shield, senior Adele Fegley worked as a poll worker for the Nov. 3 general election — in which she was too young to vote — at Zervas Elementary School.

“It was something that I'm passionate about,” she said. “I wanted to be part of the process and also encourage young people to vote.”

Fegley’s involvement started earlier as a poll worker for the state primaries. State regulations allow two 16- or 17-year-old poll workers per precinct.

“I wasn’t going to be 18 this presidential election, and that really disappointed me,” she said. “I really like politics, so being involved in some way shape or form in politics was something that I was really interested in.”

Like Fegley, junior Jessica Traxler was a poll worker for both the primary and general elections. She said this was a viable alternative to volunteering for a campaign, particularly as COVID-19 kept many older workers away from the polls.

“It was really important to me to promote democracy over promoting a specific candidate,” she said. “In America we’re supposed to have this right to vote, and people

can believe what they want to believe but they should be able to express it at the polls.”

Traxler said that being a poll worker made her more knowledgeable about the election process “If you’re going to college outside of state you have to figure out so many more details, and I think being a poll worker can help you understand the inner workings of voting so

important this year.”

Poll workers like Fegley keep the election process organized by checking off people's addresses as well as which ballot they are given. Mail-in ballots were counted by workers to make sure that people do not vote twice.

“We make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, and that everybody gets the chance t o

vote,” when she said. you turn With more 18, you can be mail-in ballots than ever, prepared,” she said. graphic by Angus Nichols some raised concerns over the History teacher Julie Masi said that poll workers played a particu- credibility of November’s election. Traxler larly crucial role in making sure voters’ voices said some jurisdictions saw rejected ballots due to limited drop-off locations and tight were heard — safely — this year.

“In years past, people haven't batted deadlines.

“If we don’t receive your mail-in ballot, their eyelashes or thought about the role of a poll worker,” she said. “It's much more you can always go into your polling place

and vote, and I think that's really important,” she said. “Having the correct number of poll workers there can help it just go faster so that way you don't have to worry.”

Fegley said that this year’s tasks included sanitizing equipment and placing floor markers six feet apart to ensure social distancing.

“I've only volunteered during the pandemic, but I think there were a lot fewer people than there normally would be,” she said.

Traxler said that working at the polls is just one of the many ways to participate in the elections for those unable to vote.

“You can always campaign for other candidates, and you can always help people sign up to vote; there's so many different ways to get involved,” she said. “You just have to look for it.”

Even though young citizens can’t vote, Masi said she believes they can still help to “Get out the vote”. She said being a poll worker is one of the best ways to have an active role in democracy.

“One thing that schools can do to get younger people involved in the election, even if they can't vote yet, is seeing if they can volunteer at a poll place and making sure that they're aware of the issues that are being hotly contested and debated,” she said.

“You're helping your country out, and you're helping democracy function."

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

FUN PAGE 19

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS:

An autumn armful of awe-inspiring antics

2. Our favorite four-letter video conferencing platform 4. Seniors are excited to do this 8. Fashion accessory of 2020 11. Global pandemic; 12 midnight 12. No school on Nov. 11 to honor ______ 13. ‘10 graduate, new art teacher 14. Teachers love to use _____ rooms; are they overused?

15. _____ will give you a 10% discount on your first hair laser removal 18. Oregon trail; ______ Wheel 19. Today’s the last day of ____ one for nonseniors; Trump will serve only a single ____ 20. Super _____er; learn about the extent to which School Committee goals have been realized on the _______ on pages 4-5 21. Student-athlete committed to Union College; elegance 22. You should join the _____!

Follow @NshsLionsRoar on Instagram or scan this QR code to to see the answers!

Personality Quiz!

What kind of mask would you be?

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

A. I’ll be at home with only my immediate family. I’m judging you for traveling or neglecting COVID-19 guidelines B. Watching football (on TV since South isn’t playing until Fall II) C. I’ll probably just sleep and eat dinner with family D. I’m doing a socially distanced Friendsgiving

What’s your favorite article of clothing?

A. Comfy gray sweatpants B. Suspenders C. Jeans D. A sweatshirt from my favorite show If you could vote, you would do it...

A. As soon as I received my mail-in ballot B. Probably never C. On Election Day D. A few days in advance, but I got a sticker

How often do you wear a mask?

A. I rarely leave my house, but when I get my mail once a week, I gear up B. Depends on the vibe of the group I’m hanging out with C. I throw one on whenever I leave the house D. A few times a week when I hang out with friends

DOWN: 1. Although pictured on a Nov. 6 letter to families, _______ is no longer our principal 3. Popular burger restaurant in Newton Centre 4. New city _____; sea creature 5. This school level will begin hybrid learning on Nov. 16 6. If not for COVID-19, the Roar staff would be headed to; home of Mickey 7. President-Elect’s son; _____-gatherer 8. Half of the time teachers talk, they’re ______ 9. Guaranteed this freedom in the First Amendment; ______ and Debate Team 10. State that secured Biden the victory 15. Trump refuses to ________ 16. Use code November10Gift at House of _______ to get a 10% discount 17. New Patriots quarterback; our city

Embarrassing Roar Staff Photos of the Month:

What’s the worst part of Zoom school?

A. Nothing -- I love staying home B. No jokes C. Zoom fatigue D. I miss authentic conversation Favorite utensil?

A. Knife: you never know B. Whisk: I like to mix it up C. Fork: simple and versatile D. Spork: the best of both worlds

If you answered mostly... you got...

A

B

N95 and full PPE Gaiter You’re always pre- Fun and light-hearted, pared and careful; in you keep spirits and a zombie apolypse, laughter high, even we’d stick by you amidst COVID-19

C

Surgical A surgical mask goes great with any outfit, and you go great with any group

D

Patterned Cloth COVID-19 can’t cramp your style; you always express yourself and your values

Top to bottom: Fefer practices cello while asleep atop proofs; Slater dripping for his dog walk

PAGE 20 NOVEMBER 13, 2020

SPORTS ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

Cam Newton launches Patriots into new era John Timko & Vivek Vallurupalli Sports Contributors

Number-one overall draft pick, former Carolina Panther and now-New England Patriot starting quarterback Cam Newton has seen immense success in the NFL after an incredible Heisman-winning year at Auburn University. Newton exploded out of the gate in his first season, winning the Rookie of the Year award, but he didn’t stop there. He won the NFL regular season MVP in 2015 and led Carolina’s juggernaut offense to Super Bowl 50.

After injury-ridden seasons in 2018 and 2019, however, the Panthers cut Newton.

In July, after months of uncertainty within the Patriots’ now-Brady-less franchise, New England signed Newton, providing him with an opportunity to prove he still belongs in the NFL. During the late summer training camp, Newton impressed head coach Bill Belichick with his work ethic, and Belichick publicly stated that “nobody works harder” than Newton. In early September, news outlets reported he was elected a captain by the team.

Franchise legend Tom Brady’s depar-

ture to Tampa Bay in March left the Patriots reeling. Until Newton’s signing, the starting quarterback role would have fallen to either second-year player Jarrett Stidham or veteran Brian Hoyer. Neither player fostered widespread hope in the minds of Patriots fans.

During the Brady era, the Patriots’ greatest weapon was arguably their passing game, as New England could rely on a diverse group of receivers, who allowed Brady to attack a team both with deep balls and with shorter passes.

With Newton at the helm, the Patriots changed their entire offensive strategy: what was once an aerial assault under Brady became a run-dominant attack, centered around quarterback runs with Newton himself.

Newton’s versatility and ability to run the ball has the potential to completely open up the team’s running game. Now, an opponent has to factor in that quarterback Newton could be a running threat, where Brady was known to be slower, and almost never ran the ball himself. This could open up the backfield and leave other running backs open.

On-field play isn’t where Newton’s

impact ends. He has become a leader on the team, helping his teammates even on his own time. Newton practiced with Julian Edelman before the season started and has played a key role in second-year receiver N’Keal Harry’s development; after Harry’s key week one fumble, Newton defended him during a press conference, and Harry described his quarterback as a “big brother.”

Harry said in a September 11 video conference with reporters that Newton’s experience in the league has helped him out a lot, and that “he’s done a great job putting his arm around me and guiding me through this whole thing,” a key distinction from Brady’s little-to-no work with younger players.

Newton brings a unique kind of energy, from his radiant smile to his eccentric postgame outfits to the nicknames he calls his teammates, ranging from Harry’s “Doughboy” to Edelman’s “Highway 11,” as well as over 15 more unique to each teammate.

Few people in the NFL get second chances, and Newton has a chance to continue his career with a team and coach who can help him realize his highest potential.

Newton will undoubtedly embrace the opportunity to propel himself back to greatness.

photo courtesy of USA Today Sports

Teams practice despite uncertain Fall II season Rebecca Stotsky Sports Reporter

Even amidst a pandemic, the fields at South bustle with student-athletes. From field hockey to cross country to soccer to football, athletes are working out and training for game day — except for the football and girls volleyball teams, their practice is not in preparation for the current season. This fall, there will be no football or volleyball games; the teams’ seasons — like those of the unified basketball and dance teams — have been postponed until the new Fall II season in February. Special education teacher and football coach Ted Dalicandro said that this setback is not stopping the team’s drive.

“The kids know that my expectation is they're putting in the work in the weight room, on the fields, doing the seven-onsevens and doing whatever they can to prepare for a season,” he said.

Football captain senior Nathan Gelman said that the team’s eagerness to play has not waned.

“If anything, it’s the exact opposite,” he said. “Now, the team has more motivation to get ready because we have all the time to get ready.”

For junior Jack Foster, the untraditional season has increased the football team’s camaraderie.

ic by graph

d Aman

a Fu

“It's brought us closer because we have to start doing things on our own and making sure that we're still getting work in,” he said.

Dalicandro said it’s safe to play football, citing a return to regular games in the National Football League (NFL) and various college and high school leagues in 33 states that have not resulted in major outbreaks.

“Cohorting kids and doing everything that's COVID-19 healthy is something easy for me. Football lends itself to cohorting,” he said.

Dalicandro said he is optimistic and that he looks forward to the football team’s season, albeit five months late, in February.

“Friday Night Football brings a spirit that no other sport can bring to a community,” he said.

Gelman said that the team’s goal remains the same: win the Dual County League championship.

The girls volleyball team, whose season was also postponed, however, is discouraged because they are unable to practice or compete as a team, captain senior Hannah Balcanoff said. Volleyball games are played inside in an enclosed space, a key obstacle in today’s COVID-19 reality.

Balcanoff said that over the summer — before the postponement announcement — the team was excited and ready to play.

“A lot of people would show up for captains’ practices, … getting into shape in their own ways, going to clinics and camps and practices,” she said.

“Everyone was super excited to be back.”

But news that the season is tentatively scheduled for February makes finding motivation to keep a foot on the gas challenging, Balcanoff said.

“It's easier to think it's not going to happen and not get your hopes up. When you get your hopes up and don’t have a season, it's worse than assuming that you might not have one,” she said.

Since it’s too cold for outdoor captains’ practices, Balcanoff said, the team isn’t currently holding full team practices. They occasionally work out on their own or in smaller groups. Some, like senior Sabrina Ishanyan, continue to play for club teams.

Ishanyan said that she is able to get indoor touches on the ball, but because of the uncertainty around the Fall II season, it’s hard to know what to train for.

“We might be even more rusty when it comes around,” she said. “There’s definitely going to be a lot of practicing and getting into the groove of things, if it starts up.”

Senior Maggie Xu said that although club teams are playing now, a return to school volleyball seems unlikely, as South’s teams range from 20-50 students, compared to clubs’ 10-person teams.

Balcanoff said that the indoor location of volleyball is the biggest barrier preventing a safe return. Currently, Massachusetts’s COVID-19 guidelines limit indoor gatherings to 25 people, so a return remains uncertain.

“It's really hard to know, so [we’re] just taking it day by day,” she said.

The MIAA is expected to make important decisions about future sports seasons in the next few weeks.

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

SPORTS PAGE 21

New Recruits

FROM BASKETS TO BALLOTS

Sports editor Austin Chen spoke with three athletes who have committed to colleges

soccer

Holy Cross

WNBA and NBA players lead voter registration initiatives

Having to speak up for yourself and consistently advocate for yourself and describe your accomplishments and how much you want to go there and why you are the right athlete is uncomfortable, but it's important because no one else is going to do it for you and everyone is fighting for just a couple positions on a team.

By Grace Grabowski and Joyce Lee

U

sually, you can count on your favorite basketball player to make that buzzer-beating layup — not to cast a ballot. In 2016, only 22% of eligible National Basketball Association (NBA) players voted, according to statistics provided by the players’ union. This year, those same players are pledging to not only vote themselves, but to use their platform to encourage others to do the same.

Three-time NBA champion, threetime NBA All-Star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green was one of those players who did not vote in 2016. He said, in a June interview with The Undefeated, that he felt like his vote did not matter. But now, he said, he’s been educated on the importance of exercising each citizen’s right to vote.

“If there’s any time that’s ever been serious for us, it’s serious now,” he said. “If we all sit back and say, ‘I’m only one vote, it doesn't matter,’ then we end up with results like we ended up with the last election, that put our country in the place where it is today.”

As part of their initiative to increase voting access, 20 NBA arenas and dozens more practice facilities across the country were transformed into polling locations for the Nov. 3 presidential election.

In the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the Washington Mystics partnered with “When We All Vote,” a nonprofit organization co-chaired by Michelle Obama, to register fans. The Mystics challenged eight other WNBA teams to see who could register the most new voters.

Senior Vice President of Team Services Alycen McAuley said that activism is not new for WNBA. “Advocacy has always been in the DNA of the WNBA, both within our teams and our players. While we are competitors on the court, we’re collaborators in our communities — and we are honored to work alongside our fellow teams to help raise awareness around the importance of voting and participating in our democracy,” she said in an August article

graphic by Julie Wang

published on the team’s website.

In addition to team-wide activism, individual athletes have piloted their own initiatives. WNBA Atlanta Dream player Renee Montgomery opted out of the WNBA season in favor of starting her Remember The 3rd initiative. She planned three workshops and a pep rally to educate people about the voting process and the importance of voting.

Professional athletes have been very vocal in encouraging fans to vote, and some even indicated who they plan on voting for. Steph Curry and Lebron James, two of the most well-known NBA players, both endorsed Joe Biden. Other players, like past All-Stars Demarcus Cousins and Kevin Love turned to Twitter to share their thoughts on presidential debates. Many WNBA players also endorsed Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, who is challenging current Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler. Loeffler co-owns the Atlanta Dream and previously criticized the WNBA for putting so much focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Why the heightened civic efforts from athletes this election season? Los Angeles Lakers superstar and 2020 NBA Finals MVP LeBron James said it comes down to empowering children, especially children of color.

“I always talk about how Black kids and Black people in the community don’t believe that their vote matters. We grow up or we don’t think that our vote actually matters for who becomes the president,” James said.

“We’ve seen our voices be muted, muted over our whole lives.”

In July, James and a coalition of Black athletes and artists started the voting rights organization More than a Vote, aimed at combating Black voter suppression to protect Black voters’ rights.

Encouragement from athletes gives non-registered voters a renewed incentive to vote because of their powerful platforms.

Athletes are doing right by our democracy by using their platform to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.

baseball Union

I was sitting on the front porch of admissions, talking to [the coach], and then he offered me, and it was really exciting. You're supposed to wait a few days after the offer, you're not supposed to accept right away. I was really tempted to just accept on the spot.

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I got an offer that didn't work out; you can't get discouraged at that because you're going to end up where you should end up. You really have to take it into your own hands because it's not just going to fall in your lap. It's about who works the hardest for it.

PAGE 22 SPORTS

THE LION'S ROAR

BRAVE NEW WORLD This season was unlike any other, but athletes were anxious to get outside and be active after a long day of online classes

By Bella Ishanyan and Clare Tourtelotte

Field Hockey (2-0-8)

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ield hockey teams were forced to make a drastic change to this year: going from 11 players to just seven. Captain senior Maya Kim said that change was responsible for more than just a shift in tactics.

“It's a lot more. It’s not just running, but it's a new kind of setup to get used to,” she said. “There’s a lot of other things; obviously, running with a mask is a little more tiring than running without one.”

In the absence of traditional, in-person team bonding activities, junior Elle McDonald said that team captains maintained close communication with the team.

“They always text us [to] check in on us to make sure we're all doing okay,” she said.

Kim said that she missed the small moments of connection with her teammates.

“When someone scores a goal, for example, you can't all run up and do a group hug or just simple things,” she said. “At the end of a game, usually you'll go up and high five everyone on the other team, and obviously we can't do that anymore.

Kim said, however, that the team tried to maintain some old traditions.

“We just had our senior game, so we did speeches and gave gifts,” she said. “We still try to keep up traditions as best we can … I think everyone on the team is just doing a really good job of building the sense of community, all together.”

Field hockey seniors pose for a (socially distanced) photo

photo courtesy of NSHS Athletics

GolF (2-6)

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he golf team saw far fewer COVID19-induced changes to their seasons than other sports teams, as captain senior Madalin Small said that the structure of golf was conducive to social distancing.

“We’re already six feet apart pretty much at all times, so that definitely helps a lot,” she said.

With school ending at 3:55 p.m. this year, however, the golf team faced unique challenges. Not only was golf practice pushed later, sunlight ran out earlier.

“We actually can’t start practice until about 4:30, and the sun sets at 6, so practice has been a struggle,” Small said. “For matches, we’re fine because we get out from The golf team in full uniform after a good day on the links

school early.

Despite having less time to spend around one another, Small said the team tried to foster community however they could.

“We’ve been trying to set up team dinners and stuff like that to make everyone feel more connected,” Small said. “It’s really tough with all the strict guidelines, but doing stuff outside of practice, as a team, [helps].”

Like most student-athletes, however, Small said that she’s glad to have the opportunity to play her favorite sport.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. I love my team,” she said. “It’s good to at least be able to have a season, so I’m grateful for that. It’s been weird, but I’ll take what I can.”

photo contributed by Madalin Small

Girls cross country (1-3)

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his year, the girls cross country team finished third in the District County League Large Championship.

Captain senior Solomiya Kotyk ran cross country for all four years of high school, and she said that this season featured unprecedented challenges.

“At the beginning of our season, it was super hard to socially distance,” she said.

“Everyone's just super used to being super close; we’re always hugging and spending time close together.”

In terms of the races themselves, Kotyk said that the change from every runner beginning at the same time added extra psychological

strain to what had been a mostly physical activity.

“We start in waves of five people from each team,” she said. “That makes it more of a mental race instead of a competitive one, because you aren't racing against that many people, and sometimes you might be running without anyone nearby.”

Despite the tangible changes from prior years, Kotyk said the team made the best of an unusual situation by maintaining connections.

“I'm just really grateful that we're having this season because it's the one sense of normalcy we have,” she said. “It's just great to see all the girls.”

The girls cross country team, all smiles under those masks

photo by Nora Ito

ISSUU.COM/THELIONSROAR

SPORTS PAGE 23

Boys cross country (3-1)

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Senior boys cross country runners after the last meet at South

photo courtesy of NSHS Athletics

he boys cross country team was the number one team in the state and also had five representatives among the top eight finishers in the District County League Cross Country Large Championship.

With 70 runners, however, the boys cross country team was the largest team competing this season, which captain senior Will Lavey said made social distancing all the more difficult.

“It's pretty hard to tell them they can't stand right next to each other all the time, and there are a lot of constant reminders like, ‘You guys need to space yourself.’,” he said.

“When kids come in, and they're just talking to their friends, like they've been doing for the first 15, 16 years of their life. It's hard to kind of rewire the brain to stay away from people.”

Like the girls team, the boys team raced in waves of runners starting at staggered times.

In spite of structurally different races, Lavey said that the team’s preparation remained mostly the same.

“The only difference in meets is really that they're doing wave starts,” he said. “That hasn't really changed the way we're preparing ourselves so much."

However, early on in the season, Lavey said that the team’s energy took a hit with the absence of being able to freely interact with teammates.

“For a lot of kids, it's really tough because we don't have the pre-practice meetings where everyone is just goofing around in the classroom or in the locker room,” he said.

“We don't have that random camaraderie that just is there all the time.”

At the end of the day, Lavey said he tried to keep things in perspective and appreciate the team’s accomplishments.

“Overall, we are managing well,” he said. “It’s still the same team.”

Girls soccer (9-1-2)

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occer typically has just one built-in break in play at halftime. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, MIAA regulations enforced breaks every 20 minutes. Other safety procedures included the addition of kick-ins —a more sanitary replacement for throw-ins — and a ban on headers and all other contact.

Captain senior Lottie McLeod said that, by slowing the pace of gameplay, these modifications made for a lack of continuity.

“Tactically, the game is very different now. It's a lot more start and stop; there's way less flow to the game,” she said. “It's for safety, so we have to adapt."

McLeod said that coaches and players were working together to adhere to the new

safety protocols. “[The coaches] set up cones before practice for where we have to put our bags so that we're socially distanced," she said.

"We're reminded at water breaks to social distance, and obviously, everyone wears masks to practice.”

Despite new guidelines and gameplay changes, the team didn’t lose its stride, McLeod said.

“Last year, our games against the large District County League teams were much closer, whereas this year we've created a little bit more of a separation in certain games,” she said. “We've all been working very hard, so I think we're all very proud of the effort and the outcome we’ve had so far."

The girls soccer team won 2-0 to secure the DCL Large Cup

photo courtesy of NSHS Athletics

Boys soccer (3-5-2)

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his season, the boys soccer team faced not only new COVID-19 protocols, but a new coach and largely new team.

Captain senior Ethan Levin said that even after graduating 12 seniors last year and forming relationships with new coach Floyd Butler, the team adjusted well to coronavirusnecessitated changes.

“Then to throw, on top of that, all the COVID-19 guidelines and the new COVID-19 rules,” he said, “I feel like the team has come together and just pushed through it all, and I'm really happy with how we've been doing.”

Butler said he focused on getting to know the team and implementing necessary changes.

The boy's soccer team after raising money for Kicks for Cancer

photo courtesy of NSHS Athletics

“Everything really has changed from the previous year, and it's not just because of COVID-19, it's because I've stepped in, and I've brought with me a new way of doing things,” he said. “All the boys are adjusting to not only me but all of these new rules and guidelines, so I want to give them a ton of credit because I think they're doing a really wonderful job of it.”

Butler said he saw the team, like him, enjoying their time together.

“We're really just happy to be able to be out and play, he said. “Yes, it's challenging.

Yes, it's been a bit of a learning curve … But the simple fact that we're out and playing and competing and training has been making it worthwhile.”

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